Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove
As we wrap up a decade that encompassed the most interconnected relationship between the digital and physical world we’ve experienced yet, it’s no surprise that the topic of strengthening our natural intuition continues to surface.
How can We stay grounded in the physical, tied to the digital, and open to the spiritual all at once?
For a community lesson in mind/body/earth connection, we partnered with AllSwell founder, Laura Rubin and jewelry designer and gem expert, Paige Novick, to create an experience combining instinctive journaling, personal meditation, and a beginner’s course on crystal technology. Gathering at Le Board in Soho for an evening of selecting stones and putting pen to paper, we got real and asked the simple questions with direct answers. Below, Paige offers her insight on the world of energetic stones and chakras -
What are crystals and where do they come from?
Crystals are mineral stones that come directly from the earth which possess natural energy fields and properties.
How are they used in our everyday life?
You can find crystals in technology, in the earth, and in people’s homes to repel bad/toxic energies and connect with our inner peace. Some people also like to use crystals to repel and protect their bodies from the electromagnetic radiation that comes from being around computers and cellphones all day.
How can we use crystals to work for us?
Think of crystals as our assistants in life. They are cleansing, balancing, peaceful, and empowering. They remind us that the true power lies within us when we charge them with the energy of our bodies. I like to wear my crystals from meeting to meeting (it keeps me grounded) or charge them at the end of the day with my non-dominant hand and use them throughout my mediation practice.
How to program your crystals-
Take your crystal in your non-dominant hand and set an intention. Make sure that you charge your crystal with a positive thought or mantra. “I am balanced.” To summarize, crystals are Mother Nature’s little gifts to us. Whether you believe in their powers, or just like to look at them, they are beautiful gifts from the earth that are meant to be enjoyed in a way that works for you!
The Chakras + Their Coordinating Crystals
There are 7 chakras + 7 energy points in the body that correlate to a specific color + energy.
They go as follows:
Red Jasper - Enhances passion and vitality (ROOT)
Carnelian - Promotes connectivity and creativity (SACRAL)
Citrine - Increases personal power and physical center (SOLAR PLEXUS)
Malachite - Magnifies trust and love (HEART)
Angelite - Strengthens communication (THROAT)
Lapis - Intensifies the mind, dreams and psychic ability (THIRD EYE)
Amethyst - Elevates spirituality and the imaginations (CROWN)
Deeper Intuition + Creativity
Journaling
As a coordinating ritual, journaling allows a dual process of both nurturing blooming visions and letting go of the thoughts that no longer serve your path. For at-home solo writing session or moment with friends, Laura shares the prompts to keep thoughtful energy flowing -
Sense check - answer the question “How are you?” one sense at a time. This helps you drop into your body, into the moment and slow down time for mindful writing.
Write a letter from your body to you - What does your body have to say? Our source of wisdom isn’t exclusively the mind, the gut / cells have a lot of information to convey, as well. Tap into that knowledge by giving it the space to express itself.
Heat seeking - Re-read what you wrote and pay attention - not from a place of copy editing / criticism. As words have particular resonance or “heat” underline / circle them. It’s a way of honoring your own words.
Poem - Use those words / phrases you underlined and organize them into some semblance of a poem. You can use all of them, some of them, in the order you wrote them or mix it up. The point isn’t to achieve great literature (you can just work on this for 6 minutes) but to try out writing a poem and see how it feels. Give yourself permission to express a different form of creativity.
